Food is my love language.
I have been cooking for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a first Generation Persian home where food was always slow and always intuitive. We spent hours in the kitchen creating special meals that were enjoyed with the same reverence. Hospitality is in my DNA.
CHEF
I am a self taught chef. I began cooking professionally in 2006. My repertoire is vast and based on my own culinary immersions and studies abroad. I have been studying various food cultures from around the world for the better part of two decades both as a chef and as cultural anthropologist. I love curating experiences for my clients that feature excellent food and unique experiences. I believe that food is a bridge. Food connects us to the most powerful memories and sensory experiences. Food is the embodiment of love. My culinary specialties include:
PERSIAN
FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA
TUSCANO
MEDITERRANEAN
MOROCCAN
SPANISH
ITALIAN
FRENCH PARISIAN
HIGH END LOCAL COLORADO FARE
FRENCH CANADIAN
FUNCTIONAL FOOD
I really believe that food is thy medicine. I have been working a a functional food chef for over a decade now. I can create functional foods for various ailments. I am a trained herbalist with both Western and Ayurvedic herbs. I have studied Ayurvedic cooking for both Western and Indian cuisine with Dr. Vasant Lad. I have also studied our neuro-magnetic energy field (chakra system) with Dr. Lad and have been working on chakra based and focused foods for several years now. I have been a plant forward chef for over a decade now.
RAW VEGAN VEGAN GLUTEN FREE AYURVEDIC
PALEO MACROBIOTIC DOSHIC
Mushrooms: A World of Flavor and Wellness
Welcome to the enchanting world of mushrooms! As a dedicated chef and ethnomycologist, I have spent years exploring the rich tapestry of mushrooms from around the globe. My journey into ethnomycology has allowed me to delve into the lore, medicinal properties, and culinary applications of various mushrooms, immersing myself in their unique stories and traditions.
Ethnomycology: The Study of Mushroom Cultures
Ethnomycology is the study of the cultural significance and uses of mushrooms in different societies. This field has captivated me, as each mushroom tells a story of its origins, historical uses, and the ways it has been cherished by different cultures. From ancient medicinal practices to contemporary culinary innovations, mushrooms have a profound impact on our lives.
Culinary Mycology: Mushrooms in the Kitchen
In my culinary practice, I celebrate the versatility and depth of mushrooms, creating both sweet and savory dishes that highlight their unique flavors and textures. Mushroom-forward cuisine is a passion of mine, and I enjoy crafting dishes that surprise and delight the palate.
Savory Delights
Mushrooms add an earthy richness to a variety of savory dishes. Whether it's a creamy mushroom risotto, a hearty mushroom stew, or a delicate mushroom tart, these dishes showcase the incredible range of flavors that mushrooms offer.
Sweet Surprises
Yes, mushrooms can be sweet too! I love experimenting with mushroom-infused desserts, creating treats like mushroom chocolate truffles and mushroom panna cotta. These desserts not only taste amazing but also provide a unique and healthful twist on traditional sweets. Join me in celebrating the incredible world of mushrooms and discover how these fascinating fungi can enhance your culinary experiences and overall well-being.
WINE ENTHUSIAST
My wine knowledge stems from immersive wine and study experiences in Europe including: Tuscany, the Friuli Venezia Giulia, Paris and the Swiss Grabunden. US immersive experiences include Washington’s Skagit Vlley and the San Juan Islands. Oregonian experiences include the Willamette Valley, the Rogue Valley and the Columbia Gorge. California experiences include the Napa, Sonoma, Russian River and Livermore Valleys. Canadian immersive studies and experiences include the Fraser Valley and the Montreal Valley.
I have been offering wine and food pairing experiences for over a decade. I love connecting with clients over a unique meal paired with delicious wine that together tale a story of terroir. Creating these experiences is one of my great passions.
TEQUILA NERD
I have a passion for tequila. I am currently doing an immersive self study in the study of Tequila. I love pairing dishes with different types of Tequila. I am a nerd and an enthusiast. I love curating unique tequila events.
blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and cristalino - All of these are delicious and pair well with different Tequila Terroir.
I believe that food is one of the most special ways to connect with people.
Diverese and unique food is my root chakra. As a first generation Iranian American, the the only food I ever knew was always slow, always intuitive and always treated with reverance.
I did my graduate work in Cultural Anthropology with a focus on sustainability. My field work for my M.A. was all over Nepal. My academic background in sustainability has given me my strong rooted ethos as it relates to people, planet and profit. All of these are taken into account with the food I buy, the farmers I work with and ethical aspects of doing busines with a focus on triple bottom line; people, planet and profit.
I am mostly a self taught chef. I have travelled to different places with the intention of immersing in food culture and bringing those experiences and terroir back with me. These experiences shape who I am and the cuisine that I create.
My travels spice the food I make today. These special places and experiences are a part of my repertoire, my essence and my food.
Mexico|Tulum|Juarez|Acapulco|Cancun
Japan|Tokyo|Hakuba|Nagano|Mt. Fuji
Nepal|Kathmandu|Chitwan|Kali Gandaki|Pakora
Italy|Sienna|Arrezo|Pordenone|Fruili|Venezia|Lago di Garda|Verona|Pisa|Cinque Terre|Tirano|Udine|Firenze]
France|Paris
Switzerland|Chur
Iran|Tehran
Canada|Montreal|Vancouver|Quebec
REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
I have been a farmer. I beyond appreciate the hard work that goes into one single heirloom purple carrot and all the water it takes to grow one fat stalk of brussel sprouts. I know that weeds and grasshoppers are Luciferian in nature. I know that the food our local farmers grow has blood, sweat and tears in it.
Curating the best meat and produce, within 100 miles is a big goal of mine for the food I prepare. I am dedicated to working with local farms for produce and sourcing clean and healthy meats from local producers. As both a creator of and appreciator of artisan food products, I incorporate those into my food as well.
AYURVEDA
I have studied Ayurvedic cuisine with Dr. Vasant Lad of the Ayurvedic Institute. I have also spent an immersion with hi studying Chakras and have applied this knowledge to my work with food. I have a lot of experience cooking doshic specific food, creating doshic menus, etc. I
AYURVEDIC HERBALISM
I have immersed in the study of Ayurvedic herbs for over a decade. I have a solid understanding of Ayurvedic herbalism and how to use Ayurvedic herbs as medicine certainly in a nutritional context.
WESTERN HERBALISM
I am a trained herbalist. I first studied with students of Rosemary Gladstars in Burlington, Vermont. My last herbal 10 week series was with Brigitte Mars in Boulder, Colorado.
I love doing kitchen witchy things with herbs and plant medicine.
PROFESSOR
I teach as an adjunct professor for both undergraduate and graduate seminars. I teach a wide variety of classes from Cross Cultural Fermentation to Culinary and Medicinal Mushrooms.
Noteworthy Gigs & Speaking experience
Lecture & Presentation|Introduction to Culinary & Medicinal Mushrooms|Colorado Mountain College|December 2023
Presentation|“Truffle Mushroom: Magic, Folklore & Gastronomy”|Medicinal Mushroom Symposium|Virtual 2022
Presenter|Hemp as High Vibe Nutrition| Indigenous Hemp Conference| Anishinanaabe Agriculture Institute| White Earth, Minnesota, March 2022
Panel|The Power of the Plant: Hemp As an Eco-Solution to Climate Change| Earth Guardian Event|April 2021
Guest Lecturer|Graduate Anthropology Seminar| Cross Cultural Fermentation|NMSU|April 2021
Presentation|Food Sovereignty & Hemp for Vitality|Indigenous Hemp Conference|Virtual March 2021
Teacher|High Vibe Fungi for Yogis|Moov Festival| Virtual January 2021
Presentation| Cordyceps & Turkey Tail Medicine| Telluride Mushroom Festival|August 2020
Presentation| Truffles: Murder, Mayhem & Magic|Telluride Mushroom Festival|August 2020
Speaker| Green Renaissance Panel| Seattle, Washington| Virtual August 2020
Presentation| Truffles: Gastronomy, Murder and Mayhem|Growing Farmer’s Summit|Winter 2020
Presentation|Using Your Business As a Force for Good: Sustainability, BCORP & Mission Driven Business in the New Cannabis Economy| Denver, Colorado|March 2019
Presentation| High Vibe Hemp Nutrition| Southern Hemp Expo| Nashville, TN|September 2018
Workshop|Hemp is the Answer: How to Increase Your Vitality with Hemp| Arise Music Festival| August 2018
Panel| ABC’s of CBD| ARISE MUSIC FESTIVAL *August 2018
Panel| A Place for Hemp| Terpenes & Testing Conference| April 2018
Panel| Women’s Health and CBD| NOCO Hemp Expo| March 2018
Workshop| Hemp Food for Vitality| Arise Music Festival| August 2017
Panel| Women in Cannabis| Arise Music Festical| August 2017
Panel|Morality of Capitalism Symposium, University of Nebraska, Kearney| April 2016
Presentation|Hemp Food: An Exploration| NOCO Hemp Expo| March 2016
Adjunct Professor | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, UDC - Washington, DC.
Adjunct Professor| Introduction to World Cultural Geography, UDC - Washington, D.C.
Adjunct Professor| Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Champlain College, Burlington, VT.
Adjunct Professor| Introduction to World Cultural Geography, Champlain College, VT.